We’re not sure the situation remains like this. – Even Van der Poel and Wingegaard, can no longer be Tadej Pogacar’s rivals
Tadej Pogacar has had an extraordinary season, achieving what many deemed impossible in modern cycling. His impressive list of victories has expanded more this year than any professional rider in the sport’s history, leading some to suggest that even Mathieu van der Poel and Jonas Vingegaard are falling further behind the Slovenian star.
As noted in L’Équipe’s latest edition, “Remco Evenepoel stayed in place, but if Pogacar is there, that’s second place. The Belgian didn’t even attempt to keep pace with the Slovenian when he attacked, knowing it would be futile and only result in being left behind.” While Evenepoel showcased his strength in Italy on Saturday, excelling in climbs and descents, he ultimately finished over three minutes behind Pogacar.
The victory was anticipated, as the World Champion attacked precisely where everyone expected, leaving his rivals with no answer to his move. Not only did he strike decisively, but his ability to extend the gap throughout the final hour of racing proved overwhelming for his competitors. This commentary from the French outlet isn’t surprising, given that this has been his winning strategy throughout the season, particularly in recent weeks.
“They highlight the vast divide between him and the rest of the field. From the Strade Bianche in early March, marking his first success of the year, to Lombardy on Saturday, he has consistently overwhelmed his opponents. He began by showcasing his superiority and the clear difference between himself and the others, illustrating the chasm that now exists,” they state.
Even the top contenders who once stood alongside him seem distant in their ability to secure major victories: “Surrounding him now is a desert. We previously identified two genuine challengers—Mathieu Van der Poel in the classics and Jonas Vingegaard in the Tour de France—as the only ones capable of rivaling him. However, we can no longer be certain that this remains the case, even as we eagerly anticipate how the Dane will prepare for July.”
